Moondrop Illustrious vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV: which should you buy?

On aggregated review scores the THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV comes out ahead with a HearWiki score of 84. The full breakdown - sub-scores, specs and what reviewers actually said - is below.

Our pick: THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV - Outstanding overall at around $1149.

Wired IEMs

Score breakdown

Each axis is a 0–10 blend of what reviewers scored, not a lab measurement.

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV leads on 3 of 4 measures.

Moondrop Illustrious
THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

HearWiki score

Sound

6.7

9.4

Value

4.1

7.6

Price (USD)

$900

$1,150

Generation & platform

The scores rank quality. This is the other question: is the newer one actually newer technology, or the same platform in a new shell?

Same generation

Both shipped in 2025. These are the same generation of hardware - nothing in the radio, the codecs or the noise cancelling separates them. Nothing separates them on convenience features either, so the choice comes down to tuning and price.

Illustrious2025
Monarch MKIV2025

Specifications

IllustriousMonarch MKIV

Type: Wired IEMs; Wired IEMs
Price (USD): $900; $1,150
HearWiki score: 58; 84
Released: 2025; 2025
Availability: Sold new; Sold new
Driver: 1DD; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type: dynamic; tribrid
Driver configuration: 1DD; 2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size: 11 mm; 8 mm
Drivers per side: 1; 10
Impedance: 25 Ω; -
Active noise cancelling: No; -
Detachable cable: Yes; -
Connector: 2-pin 0.78 mm; -

Specification comparison of Moondrop Illustrious vs THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Spec	Moondrop Illustrious	THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV
Type	Wired IEMs	Wired IEMs
Price (USD)	$900	$1,150
HearWiki score	58 / 100 Average	84 / 100 Outstanding
Released	2025	2025
Audio
Driver	1DD	2DD + 6BA + 2EST tribrid
Driver type	dynamic	tribrid
Driver configuration	1DD	2DD + 6BA + 2EST
Driver size	11 mm	8 mm
Drivers per side	1	10
Impedance	25 Ω	-
Features
Active noise cancelling	No	-
Design
Detachable cable	Yes	-
Connector	2-pin 0.78 mm	-

What reviewers said

Moondrop Illustrious

The Moondrop Illustrious is a high-end, single-dynamic-driver IEM designed for listeners who value a natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning over aggressive coloration. Built with premium materials and a full accessory kit, it delivers a refined, monitor-style presentation that suits critical listening. Its main compromise is a softer low-end kick, making it less ideal for bass-heavy genres.

Pro:Excellent build quality and premium accessories
Pro:Natural, relaxed, and neutral tuning
Pro:Refined presentation with a single dynamic driver

Con:Bass lacks impact and punch
Con:Not a dynamic or punchy-sounding earphone
Con:High price may not suit bass lovers

THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV

The Monarch MKIV is a flagship in-ear monitor built around a ten-driver tribrid configuration, blending dual 8mm dynamic drivers, six balanced armatures, and two electrostatic tweeters. It offers a studio-neutral sound signature with an additional switchable bass-boost mode for listeners who prefer a more impactful low end.

Pro:Reference-grade neutral tuning with excellent clarity
Pro:Versatile bass boost mode adds flexibility
Pro:Detailed and extended treble from electrostatic tweeters

Con:High price point limits accessibility
Con:Requires a capable source to perform at its best
Con:Large shell may not suit smaller ears

Summaries are AI-condensed and paraphrased from published reviews and specs - not original hands-on testing. More on our method.

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New comparison Moondrop Illustrious THIEAUDIO Monarch MKIV